A six-step strategy
The following six-step strategy sets out the six elements which are central to managing attendance, improving rehabilitation and establishing a strong safety culture. For more information on rehabilitation, see Rehabilitation. One of the key objectives of managing attendance is to get those who have been sick and are already in employment back to work or, if still in work, working more effectively.
There are two aspects to this, managing both short-term and long-term sickness absence, although there is often a great deal of overlap between the two. The following steps have a real impact on managing these and they can be adapted to cover all types of company.
The six steps are:
Step 1 - clearly define roles within the company;
Step 2 - identify priorities for action;
Step 3 - inform and involve the workforce;
Step 4 - establish ready access to occupational health support;
Step 5 - focus on rehabilitation; and
Step 6 - tackle frequent short-term absence.
See 'Managing Sickness Absence'